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Red, white and blue balloons, symbolic of Independence Day, will be replaced by art, expressing South Pasadenan’s talents, along the parade route and other parts of the community in anticipation of Fourth of July.
While the traditional pancake breakfast, parade and fireworks show won’t take place due to the coronavirus, the theme “Better Together – 6 Feet Apart” becomes the message during a one year shift from the “Festival of Balloons” to the “Festival of Art.”
To make it happen, the Festival of Balloon Committee in conjunction with the City of South Pasadena, is seeking submissions to dress up the business district along Mission Street, usual site for the parade, and Fair Oaks Avenue.
Families are encouraged to pick up one poster board (per South Pasadena household) between June 8-11, from 9 a.m. to noon, at the Recreation Division office at 815 Mission Street. Completed poster boards can be returned to the Recreation office before June 17 at noon to have the artwork displayed on light poles along the two major thoroughfares from June 22 to July 10.
“In lieu of not being able to conduct this year’s Festival of Balloons, we are proud to offer this year’s Festival of Art!” reads a statement from the City of South Pasadena. “Join us as change from Festival of Balloons to Festival of Art for this year and this year only! We wish to honor our hometown pride this year a bit differently as we are now encouraged to be “Better Together” while remaining 6 feet apart.”
Continued the message: “While we are working together to minimize the spread of COVID-19, we know that as a community we work better together! In making the change from the Festival of Balloons to Festival of Art this year, we hope to highlight the pride of our community during these times! Demonstrate your artistic abilities, along with your own message, about how being 6 feet apart has impacted you and your families. Whether it is staying home to do your part in your community or even a tribute to say ‘Thank You’ for our first responders, we are better together – 6 feet apart!”
For more information, email Sheila Pautsch, the city’s community services director, at spautsch@southpasadenaca.gov.
